Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Equal rights and opportunities among women and men: Equality of opportunities and equal enjoyment of human rights is essential for women to participate fully in all spheres of public and private life. Awareness-raising among both women and men is a necessary first step in creating an understanding and a demand for equal rights and opportunities.

Women's participation in decision-making processes: The goal of giving women a greater role in the decision-making process is of particular importance. Due to a number of factors, women's representation in the economic and political arena has steeply declined in many countries over the past decade. This situation excludes the concerns of women from the political agenda and transition process.

Institutional reform: Many government structures are not effective in protecting and promoting women's rights. Attitudes, practices and structures in government institutions need to be transformed, in partnership with governments, so that they effectively mainstream gender perspectives and create meaningful gender equality policies.

Violence against women: Violence is a crime that is a major obstacle to women's expression of free will and to their participation in all aspects of social life. It ultimately excludes women from the democratic process. Thus, creating conditions in which women feel secure is fundamental to their ability to participate in social, economic, and political life.